Pretty and Practical: 7 Plants That Keep Bugs Out of the House

Bugs are as inevitable as taxes. No matter what climate you live in, there are a host of species dying to find a warm place to take up shelter and sustenance. Unfortunately, your kitchen ticks both of those boxes for ants, flies, beetles and mosquitoes. 

Before you go spraying every corner of your kitchen with chemicals, consider adding a few specific houseplants to the mix. Several species are known to repel bugs naturally. 

As a bonus, a few of these bug-busting plants are also edible, making them ideal candidates to grow in your kitchen.

Here are seven natural pest deterrents worth keeping around.

7 best plants to repel bugs

1. Herbs

The yellow and orange flower is so much more than a pretty accent to an oversized pot or home garden — it’s a gnat- and midge-fighting beast that emits a distinct and powerful odor that sends critters scurrying. Perhaps best of all, marigolds are an easy plant to cultivate within your home as they require little maintenance and grow quickly.

3. Lavender 

This popular flower is an insect’s worst enemy. In fact, a chrysanthemum’s hit list is extensive and includes roaches, ants, silverfish, lice, bed bugs and mites. Keep these away from your pets, though, as they can be toxic when ingested. 

6. Citronella plant

Lean into the obvious choice and opt for the endlessly entertaining carnivorous plant. Typically, these hungry wonders, such as the Venus flytrap, lure in unsuspecting prey with a scent that mimics the scent of delicious fruits and flowers. Once its hairlike lobes, otherwise known as trichomes, are activated, its leaves snap shut and reopen 10 days after the insect has been completely digested. Of course, you’ll need a whole lot of carnivorous plants to tackle swarms, but they make great additions to target the occasional fly or two. 

No matter your preference, these plants, flowers and herbs make wonderful (and natural!) additions to a kitchen pest management plan. They also happen to be delicious and/or beautiful. If you’re still not convinced, consider other all-natural alternatives like coffee grounds, essential oils, banana peels, white vinegar and onions. Each has also been proven to stave off an infestation if left out on kitchen counters. 

For more, find out which plants are easiest to keep alive and peruse our list of the best places to buy plants online.